Building a pond can be a satisfying and enjoyable job. A little forward planning and research will ensure trouble-free installation. Before digging, ask yourself the following questions:
 
Where will the pond be located?
What type of design do I want?
What will the overall size, shape and depth be?
How much am I prepared to spend?
Who will give me the best advice?
 
Pond Location
 
Select a site near the outdoor hydro outlet – you need easy access to electricity for a pump, underwater lighting, UV clarifier, de-icer, etc.
Select a site that receives at least five hours of full sun – flowering pond plants require direct sunlight to bloom and grow to their full potential.
Select a sheltered site – wind may play havoc with fountains and waterfalls.
Select a level site – the run-off from both seasonal rain and spring thaw could wash into the pond and create water quality problems.
Avoid heavily treed areas – tree roots and leaf litter will cause water quality issues, and too much shade will reduce the flowering of aquatic plants.
 
Pond Design
 
There are many design options for a pond. A formal pond is a mix of art, nature, and innovation; an informal pond is natural and blends into the existing garden. Rubber liner offers flexibility regarding shape, size and depth; a pre-formed pond shell is limited. A raised pond is easily built and maintained, but may freeze solid in winter.
 
The type of pond you build will be determined by the amount of available space – a half whiskey barrel on the porch can be just as charming as a grandiose pond in the backyard.
 
Size, Shape and Depth
 
The size, shape and depth of the pond will be determined by its location. Make a sketch of of the desired location of the pond. Pencil in the pond dimensions, landscaping, surrounding garden, and features such as a waterfall or stream.
 
A pond should have as much surface area and depth as possible. As a guide, an average-sized pond is about 8ft x 7ft, with an average depth of 2ft, a maximum depth of 3ft, and a volume of about 1,000 US gallons.
 
The Cost
 
The cost of installing a pond will vary depending upon its size and depth, the water features and hardware, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a landscaper.
 
Before undertaking a large or complex project, consult a landscaper or water garden expert. A trained professional will help with your design and give you a price estimate. Take the time to get estimates, compare prices, and work within a budget.
 
To build an average-sized pond (8ft x 7ft x 3ft), you could expect the cost of materials (rubber liner, underlay, filter, pump) to be about $1,100. This estimate would not include installation by a landscaper, fittings, hose, fish, plants or stone.

 

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Web Administrator - Isa Webb.
Last Updated: Monday February 22, 2010